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Illinois Pushes Eco-Friendly Cover Crops

Russell Wire, a northwest Illinois farmer, found cover crops to be an excellent option for his operation. His cattle enjoy the quality grazing, and his soil health is improving as well. Photo: Flickr/USDAgov

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced the start of a three-year demonstration project to encourage the planting of environmentally beneficial cover crops on farm fields in the state.

Led by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the initiative aims to improve water quality in lakes and streams by reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff from local farms, the governor said.

"Illinois is a leading agricultural state because of its ability to adopt sustainable farming practices that protect our valuable soil and water resources without sacrificing productivity," Gov. Quinn said. "This project is a good example of the industry's commitment to our environment."

An aerial-applied ryegrass cover crop grows between harvested corn rows on a warm November day in southwest Iowa. Photo: Flickr/NRCS Soil Health

Cover crops are plants seeded into agricultural fields, either within or outside the regular growing season, with the primary purpose of boosting or maintaining ecosystem quality. Cover crops like grasses and legumes have been shown to enhance biodiversity; lead to less flooding, leaching and runoff; attract honeybees and other beneficial insects; improve soil quality; combat weeds; and break disease cycles.

Additionally, recent studies show that cover crops may also offer production benefits. A survey of Midwestern farmers last winter by the USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program revealed significantly higher corn and bean yields in fields where cover crops had been planted. Results showed a 10 percent increase for corn and a whopping 12 percent increase for beans.

The survey also indicated that farmers are planting more cover crop acres than ever before — with total acreage increasing in each of the past five years, from an average of 116 acres in 2008 to 421 in 2013.

"Recent studies have shown that growing cover crops during the dormant season between annual row crops can provide the same environmental benefits on more acres for significantly less cost than practices like grassed waterways and terraces can," Steve Chard, the Department of Agriculture's bureau chief of Land and Water Resources, said of the practice.

Beginning this fall, 14 plots throughout the state will be planted with cover crops either by aerially seeding into a standing crop of corn or soybeans or by drilling a cover crop seed mix into the soil after harvest, the department said.

All the plots are located adjacent to an interstate or state highway and were specifically chosen due to their high visibility. Signs at each plot will direct passersby to the online Cover Crops Network, a website established as a "one-stop shop" for information on cover crops.

The site includes a link to the Midwest Cover Crops Decision Tool, an interactive resource that provides information on which varieties of cover crops are best for a grower's specific needs, as well as the best dates for planting and management advice. For more information on the initiative, visit the Illinois Cover Crops Network online.

Based in the Phoenix metro area, Mary is a lifelong vegetarian and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking and relaxing in the park. When she’s not outside, she’s probably watching baseball. She is a former assistant editor for Earth911.